​Ten years ago you welcomed me to King Springs Elementary as your new principal. For me, it was a dream come true. I was able to work in my home community while being a part of the rich traditions of such a special elementary school. I have been blessed beyond measure to work with the best teachers Cobb has to offer, and the most committed group of parents around.

We have grown from 625 students, to a whopping 948 beautiful children who are split between two campuses. Parents and teachers have helped to make King Springs a much sought after school and one to be proud of. We have one of the strongest PTAs in the district, a Foundation that is growing and making a tremendous difference for our school and a School Council that is committed to making sure King Springs becomes all that it can be. Together we have laid a foundation that is strong and King Springs will continue to be the BEST school in Smyrna. With SPLOST 5 coming up for a vote in March, we have a strong chance of having a new building our children and community deserve.

I reached my 30 years in education a while back and kept saying I would not retire until those precious Kindergarteners stopped hugging me and saying, “I love you Mrs. Keeney.” Every day my heart is full of children that are precious, loving and caring. They are our hope for the future. It is bittersweet that I announce that I will retire at the end of this school year. This has not been an easy decision for me, because I love so much what I have had: The privilege of loving your children every day. But my own children have moved out of state, and my sixth grandbaby is due on the first day of the 2017-2018 school year. What a conflict!! I want to visit my children and grandchildren more often, watch them play sports, and participate in their school activities.

I do not know how to begin to thank you for allowing me into your lives. For letting me love, hug, sometimes cry and laugh with you and your children. You are truly wonderful. I have been blessed beyond measure. Not everyone is as lucky as I am. I have experienced such joy every day, and hopefully in some small way, have made a difference in the lives of children. Humbly, and with Love, Linda February 6, 2017